Head Extreme 2024 Thread
- Thread starter SinneGOAT
- Start date
TW declare EP strung SW at 322. I have Speed MP 2022 and TW declares it 323 SW. I got 290 SW unstrung one and with heavy string i still put 1gr at 12. I'm actually thinking about buying EP, but seeing your results im worried about low SW. I would love to get racquet which i don't need to put lead tape at all.
_FrankTheTank_
Rookie
Those SWs also slightly worry me. I Have one at 288SW and it needs (a small amount of) lead at 9/10 and 2/10 since it came polarized. Was planning to get a second or third one via matching service where no customization is needed, which seemed possible after the fist SWs posted in july/august, but those "Ezone" batches won't work.
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Honza
Semi-Pro
Nah, thats why i ordered 6 and will keep the 3 most similar ones. Thats something i would recommend to everyone.
toaster
New User
I measured my 3 new Extremes Pros:
1) SW 291,5
2) SW 292,1
3) SW 291,6
Strange that I got much higher SW on my racquets.
_FrankTheTank_
Rookie
was this by matching service or by a fluke?
toaster
New User
Just from one online shop.
_FrankTheTank_
Rookie
Lucky you
iLuveKetchup
New User
My matched pair of EP are the following:
Head Extreme Pro
#1 289 sw 31.5cm 304 g
#3 289 sw 31.5cm 305 g
Head Extreme Pro
#1 289 sw 31.5cm 304 g
#3 289 sw 31.5cm 305 g
What balance of all of those racquets?
Fighting phoenix
Professional
I'd try Lynx Tour at a lower tension, and if that is too low powered then I'd give Gamma AMP Moto or AMP Jet a try, potentially also Tru Pro Pure Rush.
Today I tried Extreme Pro from a colleague, I played one set with EP. My usual racket is the Boom Pro 2024. The Auxetic 2.0 on the EP has a totally different feel compared to the BP. It is interesting that most people complain that it is very soft compared to the ET Aux. 1.0. I have the exact opposite feeling, EP seems stiffer and more stable compared to ET. The pop on the serve is brutal and the racket is one of the best I've served with lately, the power and spin are also at an enviable level, it's very easy to keep the opponent behind at a distance and it's easy to change the direction of the ball, a very stable racket (my colleague has a total 2g at 10 and 2 o'clock). It's not difficult to play at all, in fact it's much more concrete for me compared to blade 98 v9. It's easy to hit a flat winner as well as a deep top spin shot. OHB should take some getting used to. Compared to the Boom Pro, the BP is the racquet that currently has the best feel compared to all the racquets I've tried in the last 4 years (Prince TT 310, PA 100, PA98, Ezone 100/98, vcore pro HD, vcore 95, Prestige MP-L, ET Aux.1, Percept 97, Blade 98 v9y PS 97 v14....RF..). It is noticeably softer and yet easier to play, with less effort it is easier to hit better shots, and the enjoyment of tennis is at a very high level. At the moment, I don't have a single racket that could dethrone him. And the most important thing, after a month of not playing tennis, I can play a quality offense with very few unforced errors, which has not been the case with any other racket so far.
How is the comfort with Boom Pro?
It has shape like Gravity's?
toaster
New User
My normal string of choice is Alu Power, but now I tried MSV Hex Ultra on my Extreme Pro. It really works well with the Extreme Pro, great Spin, Power but on the firmer side. It opened up the racquet for me and I love the racquet now!!
I am hyped now, because I found in this combination everything what I was looking for:
1) Great Spin
2) Good Power
3) Easy to swing
4) Great first and second serve
5) Great slices
6)Dampened but the stiff string gives you the feel back
7) Good comfort of the racquet, hopefully I can handle the string.
I am hyped now, because I found in this combination everything what I was looking for:
1) Great Spin
2) Good Power
3) Easy to swing
4) Great first and second serve
5) Great slices
6)Dampened but the stiff string gives you the feel back
7) Good comfort of the racquet, hopefully I can handle the string.
Boomersooner
New User
Finally got a proper playtest with my Pro. Strung with Polytour Rev 17 @48. 2 grams of lead at 12. This is such a good frame! Much more solid than last gen tour 98. It serves on par with my Ezone 98, maybe even better on the kick serve. 1hbh is also very solid feeling, super on the slice. On my fh, it feels like I can just take full, free cuts. This is probably going to be my new racket going forward. It feels like a Prestige with a somewhat of a spin and power boost.
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
I love my extreme pros.
But tomorrow I am cheating. I want to try a PA98. Same string, Pure Rush. But I screwed up and forgot to lower tension for the crosses.
My Extremes are at 51/49
The PA98 is 51/51.
These two frames seem pretty close on paper.
I play 4.0/4.5 doubles. Pretty good pace and action. Should be fun. I hear it’s super stable.
We shall see.
First hit with a Babolat in ages.
Usually too stiff for me.
But tomorrow I am cheating. I want to try a PA98. Same string, Pure Rush. But I screwed up and forgot to lower tension for the crosses.
My Extremes are at 51/49
The PA98 is 51/51.
These two frames seem pretty close on paper.
I play 4.0/4.5 doubles. Pretty good pace and action. Should be fun. I hear it’s super stable.
We shall see.
First hit with a Babolat in ages.
Usually too stiff for me.
landcookie
Professional
Please report results!
landcookie
Professional
I’ve been testing the ET lately and I must say it feels very comfortable and enjoyable. It flexes in a certain way which almost seems “wobbly” but could that be the racquet tech at play.
Picked up the ET today and hit some serves, sliders and kickers were so easy. Jumping and skidding the way I want them. Directional control was on point too which isn’t always the case!
I do wonder if the ET has enough oomph though. Or maybe that’s just the soft flexy sensation which is throwing me off. I also wonder how it’ll hold up against good players who hit hard. Is the racquet going to flex too much.
The PA 98 in comparison felt like a brick house and there was no doubt of its power output.
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
interesting
I know it's a bit stiffer on paper, so that would make it more powerful, and more crisp/more feel usually too.
But I didn't think it would be THAT much more powerful.
cheers
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
I played three sets with the PA98
51/51
my main is the Extreme Pro
51/49
I'm tempted to restring the PA98 tonight!
and go 51/48 or 51/49
B/C it went well.
Regardless of which of these you currently use, you can pick up the other and just play.
But the flexibility differential is STRIKING
- same exact string
- same stringer on the same machine
- just the different of 2lbs on the crosses, as discussed above
- same overgrip
- same indoor courts, same opponents I play every Monday
I played three sets, then switched back to my EP for a moment, and BAM
it hits you hard.
The EP is SOOOO much more comfortable, soft, flexible, muted,
you want to use the word cushioned, b/c it feels like you're hitting a ball wrapped in air bubbles, lol
compared with the PA98
The EP for me:
the one with 322 SW (lottery winner) and the one that was 316 SW (bumped up to 322 with 2 grams of weight at 12):
serves great
volleys great
awesome 2hbh
LOVE my forehands, usually can smash the ball repeatedly, until I make a mistake (usually wrong grip or bad technique).
The PA98
serves even better
volleys great, too. accidentally hit a perfect block volley. it's just super stable, it's amazing at net.
2hbh is good, maybe not as good as the EP for me.
forehands, I feel it's VERY similar.
aside from hitting a crazy angle with a 2hbh, my FH is my shot to hit winners with.
with the PA98, I think it's very close to the EP
perhaps a little more velocity. you may have to cover the ball slightly more with the PA98.
my PA98 demo came in at 306 / 31cm.
strung and overgrip: 326 / 31.75
my EP is 307 / 31.75cm.
strung and overgrip: 329 / 32.10
this is the one that came in with the right SW. no weight needed.
so this PA98 is super whippy.
comfort wise, you feel the communication from the PA98
there is none from the EP. I can still hit touch shots with the EP. and I've been playing GREAT tennis with them for months now.
so I'm not complaining about the EP.
The PA98 just has that crisp tone, you feel some vibrations.
with the EP, you don't feel anything.
so if you're a tennis elbow guy, then skip the PA98
if you can take a chance, then it's worth a demo.
On defense, the PA98 and it's more rigid frame, helps you block and deflect a little better.
I am not a fan of the cosmetic at all. It's super dated at this point. And it looks like so many other Pure Aeros, from the last several years, so it's a meh, from me.
I do like the EP cosmetic.
The PA98 is 16x20
does it feel like one, not really. I don't really notice it.
That last cross, isn't doing much. I'm curious if omitting it, would make the stick more comfy?!
It does feel powerful, but controllable. It feels like a weapon in my hand. Almost unfair.
I will play with it again Wednesday. It's not a sure switch at this point.
but I'm intrigued.
I do want to try lower tension in my cross by 2-3 lbs, to see if I can get some more dwell time and more comfort.
And I'm seriously considering skipping the last cross.
powerofthesun
New User
I got a boom pro matched to the extreme pro spec, and it plays like a spin machine with that spec. I think this racket is amazing but for me it should come in at a lower spec so that I have the room to customize it to the balance and swing weight I like. That being said, I totally agree with what you've said. I've tried to fashion it like a vcore with good feel
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
when we say WAY more power, we need to be careful.
and I'm not sure what level you/we are or aren't, matters at all.
do you really think it's WAY more powerful, or slightly more powerful?
I was able to pick it up and play with it, without having to recalibrate.
so I wouldn't say WAY more power. but that is just me!
I swing out, long, fast, fluid strokes. 4.0 4.5 hard hitting.
I am no Rafa, I hit through the court, with a little shape.....
I'm not a babolat guy, but with respect,
subjective, obviously, but imo the EP is not easier to play with, how could it be?
The PA98 has a larger sweet spot, it's firmer, providing easier defense and improved volleys, stock for stock.
I feel the PA98 is a more controlled version of the PA (100)
just like the EP is a more controlled version of the EMP (100)
The Blade 98 has > control than the PA98 and the EP, yes.
power wise, 10 being the most powerful 98 we could imagine playing with?
I'd say blade 98, 6
EP, 7
PA98, 7.5
I'll also add that the PA98 has a very consistent string bed, which is appreciated.
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Honza
Semi-Pro
There is not much sense in arguing about our opinions on the EP or PA98. You add yours and i add mine, so the people that read it and havent played both sticks can build their own.
When I say, way more power, i mean way more. PA98 in the sweet spot is a rocket, not just 0.5 points above the EP.
Btw i gave my PA98s away because my arm felt unconfortable. No problem with the EPs so far.
When I say, way more power, i mean way more. PA98 in the sweet spot is a rocket, not just 0.5 points above the EP.
Btw i gave my PA98s away because my arm felt unconfortable. No problem with the EPs so far.
julianokay
New User
As somebody with a pretty sensitive elbow, I can also attest that the EP is super comfortable to me, even with relatively stiff poly strings.
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
it's a pillow!
I'm really thankful that Head gave us this stick and this update.
I do like the auxetic 2.0 EP!
landcookie
Professional
I agree the feel between EP and PA98 is miles apart.
EP feels more like a players stick whereas pa98 feels likes it’s for bangers. I agree with @Honza though that the PA98 seems to have a gear the EP may not in terms of power.
So while they seem similar I think they are quite different sticks.
Boomersooner
New User
The PA98 has a very hot (although very small) sweetspot to me. Outside of that sweetspot I felt that it was noticeably uncomfortable. Uncomfortable enough for me to give up on it after about a week; it was destroying my wrist. The EP is one of the most comfy frames I've ever used. It has a large, but more controllable sweetspot imo.
landcookie
Professional
I have to say EP is one of the most comfortable frames I’ve tried in a long time. Wouldn’t have seen this coming especially for a spin line. Big props to Head on this
TwinCinema
Professional
The Extreme Tour was very comfortable… but I never saw this many people saying that. Is the EP even more comfy than the ET was? Or is it the same and just more people are using this generation than the past version?
Fighting phoenix
Professional
Definitely one of the more comfortable frames I’ve used outside of classic control frames, especially considering the power and spin it provides. I didn’t feel any difference between the tour and the pro in this regard.
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
ET bothered me. Small sweet spot.
EP is comfy. Larger sweet spot. More stable stock. More plow stock.
_FrankTheTank_
Rookie
Dennis Fabian (as far as I recall) pointed out the reengineering of the Grommets, it's not just an optical update. So you should be right, they targeted impact, feel and sound.
heavyD
Professional
Head has been playing around with grommets of late as they reengineered the grommets for the Extreme line and it appears they may have done something to the grommets on the Gravity Tour 98 that supposedly makes a great sound when hitting the ball.
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PistolPete23
Hall of Fame
The calibration could be off. Check the SW on some other racquets to see if the numbers are consistently lower than expected.
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
that's awesome, I missed that note, thank you for sharing!
I think they nailed it.
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
My experiment is over!
I'm a fit, hard/fast swinging 4.0, playing doubles with 4.0-4.5 players, really nice pace and action.
I'm probably a yonex guy, if anything. but not a brand loyalist.
Pure Aero 98 16x20
vs
Extreme Pro (98) 16x19
weight and balance, they seem quite close, both very whippy.
both have nice plow and pop.
both have luxurious sweet spots, not just for a 98! they feel like a 100 in that regard.
but precision, swinging through the air, feel... they are not a 100, they are both excellent 98's!
once you find an EP that has a SW that is up to spec (322 ish), great at net.
PA is great at net.
I played four days with the PA. 2-3 sets each day.
Today, after my 2nd set, I went back to the EP, so I could make a decision and write a final summary.
The serve/volley/fh,2hbh,overheads..... both sticks are excellent for me. Simply amazing.
Perhaps a little more pop on my serve with the PA. Perhaps more thump on the 2hbh, with the EP. So they are even.
Both sticks, absolutely SUBLIME on my primary weapon, the forehand.
The Extreme will be the stick that remains in my bag for a couple of reasons.
1. I was originally enjoying that extra half gear of pace/power I can generate with the PA.
my opponents could tell. more pop. more power (but controllable still, for me).
But in the end, I prefer having a half gear LESS, and more margin.
I will make less errors with the EP.
2. The EP is such a treat, in that it's a 98, it has precision, it has put away power (for a control frame), it serves bombs, it's amazing at net... but it's COMFY like a BLADE! So it's future proof. I have heard from a few of you that after a month, the PA98 will start to show it's true colors, and my wrist/arm may hurt. I'm not 25 anymore. So since these two are so close, I may as well be safe and stay away from the Babolat, which I know. I've been avoiding them since I knew any better. This is BETTER though, the PA98, I give them credit. They are moving in the right direction, perhaps!?
The PA feels like a weapon.
The EP closer to an extensive of my arm. A player’s frame.
that's it!
less errors, more comfort.
it's that simple.
oh, and the cosmetic, I prefer the pj of the EP.
Cheers all
I'm a fit, hard/fast swinging 4.0, playing doubles with 4.0-4.5 players, really nice pace and action.
I'm probably a yonex guy, if anything. but not a brand loyalist.
Pure Aero 98 16x20
vs
Extreme Pro (98) 16x19
weight and balance, they seem quite close, both very whippy.
both have nice plow and pop.
both have luxurious sweet spots, not just for a 98! they feel like a 100 in that regard.
but precision, swinging through the air, feel... they are not a 100, they are both excellent 98's!
once you find an EP that has a SW that is up to spec (322 ish), great at net.
PA is great at net.
I played four days with the PA. 2-3 sets each day.
Today, after my 2nd set, I went back to the EP, so I could make a decision and write a final summary.
The serve/volley/fh,2hbh,overheads..... both sticks are excellent for me. Simply amazing.
Perhaps a little more pop on my serve with the PA. Perhaps more thump on the 2hbh, with the EP. So they are even.
Both sticks, absolutely SUBLIME on my primary weapon, the forehand.
The Extreme will be the stick that remains in my bag for a couple of reasons.
1. I was originally enjoying that extra half gear of pace/power I can generate with the PA.
my opponents could tell. more pop. more power (but controllable still, for me).
But in the end, I prefer having a half gear LESS, and more margin.
I will make less errors with the EP.
2. The EP is such a treat, in that it's a 98, it has precision, it has put away power (for a control frame), it serves bombs, it's amazing at net... but it's COMFY like a BLADE! So it's future proof. I have heard from a few of you that after a month, the PA98 will start to show it's true colors, and my wrist/arm may hurt. I'm not 25 anymore. So since these two are so close, I may as well be safe and stay away from the Babolat, which I know. I've been avoiding them since I knew any better. This is BETTER though, the PA98, I give them credit. They are moving in the right direction, perhaps!?
The PA feels like a weapon.
The EP closer to an extensive of my arm. A player’s frame.
that's it!
less errors, more comfort.
it's that simple.
oh, and the cosmetic, I prefer the pj of the EP.
Cheers all
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Honza
Semi-Pro
Hi, can you compare Extreme Pro comfort to Speed Pro/Mp 2022?
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
speed mp, would prob be the easiest to play with, for most 3.0-4.0 players
but it's not for everyone. speed is loved by many, and it frustrates others.
more power, more spin, lighter.
packs more swing weight than the extremes, but is not difficult to swing.
extreme mp, similar power to above, but easier to swing, more spin
extreme tour, less power by a lot! more control, more precision, little less spin - but it's no spin slouch! easy to swing still (even tho 5 more grams), better at net/serve
speed pro, more control, more boardy/less spin, heavier than the rest, on paper better at net-with it's 10 more grams than the speed mp, but this can be subjective. more precision.
the speed pro is an 18x20
it's supposed to be a lot harder to generate power. you need to bring your own.
I string for my friends and a local club.
I can say that the speed pro is truly setup for a 4.5-5.0 player.
does that mean 3.0-4.0 players can't use it? no, I'm not saying that.
I know plenty of flat 3.5 players who ended up liking this frame, b/c it helps keep the ball from going long,
they are basically cheating, b/c they can't figure out how to apply more spin to keep the ball in.
18x20 helps flatter hitters, b/c it generates less lift, less shape, it keeps the ball lower (launch angle)
good luck
so many good options right now.
would like to hear more about your game before helping to suggest a frame!
lazywombat
Rookie
heavyD
Professional
I can understand why some higher end players like the Speed Pro as it's a nice 100 control frame but I just find 18x20 a little too boardy and the low launch angle doesn't fit well with my game which is spin based. I preferred the Speed MP and I could probably switch back to that racquet as it's easy to use and does everything well. I just feel I'm more dialed in right now with the Extreme Pro as my serve is better and I'm keeping the ball in court more. I was pretty smitten with my Blade 100 V9's but haven't touched them since I got a hold of the Extreme Pro. In fact I really have no desire right now to try other frames right now. I will probably buy a Gravity 98 Tour and try the new Ezone and Pure Drive but I'm very content right now for the first time in a long time.
I played Speed Pro and now play Speed MP. Now i can control ball with the spin, but i can't place the ball like i used to with Speed Pro and my serve is not accurate.
